OLDHAM VS. WALSALL: MATCH PREVIEW

OVERVIEW:
Walsall will be hoping to put last weekend’s defeat to Sheffield United firmly behind them with a positive result against resurgent relegation battlers Oldham. The Bramall Lane reverse ended a three-match winning streak for Jon Whitney’s Saddlers, who are eight points off the automatic promotion places, albeit with two games in hand. Opponents Oldham are fourth bottom, a point from safety, although their fortunes have improved considerably since John Sheridan’s return as manager. The Latics, with just two defeats in 13, have won four of their last six home matches.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD:
Oldham wins: 20
Walsall wins: 21
Draws: 12
LAST MEETING:
8th August 2015 – Walsall 1-1 Oldham – League One
Substitute Jonathan Forte’s late equaliser denied Walsall an opening-day win at home to Oldham. Romaine Sawyers fired the Saddlers ahead on eight minutes with a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner. Jordan Cook and Tom Bradshaw went close to doubling Walsall’s lead but the Latics levelled seven minutes from time, when Forte volleyed home Jake Cassidy’s inviting cross.

OLDHAM MANAGER:
John Sheridan – The 51-year-old was appointed as Oldham boss for the second time in January 2016. Sheridan, who managed the Latics between 2006 and 2009, has also taken charge of Plymouth, Newport and Chesterfield, where he won the League Two title in 2010/11. The former Republic of Ireland international enjoyed long spells with Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham during a 23-year playing career.
OLDHAM STAR MAN:
Liam Kelly – Oldham’s captain has scored six goals in 80 competitive appearances for the Boundary Park club since signing from Bristol City in January 2013. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has been capped once by Scotland, helped Kilmarnock win the Scottish League Cup in 2012.
VIEW FROM THE OLDHAM CAMP:John Sheridan (on the Latics’ 2-0 victory over Swindon) – "I thought we fully deserved the result. The most important thing is getting the three points. It was a tricky game, Swindon are a good passing side and they can really hurt you. I wouldn't like to play against us at the moment. The stamina in the team is excellent and we fully deserved the result and another clean sheet.”